Hero's Night Out in Middletown to benefit charity

There will be a night this month that will be dedicated to the local heroes who protect the Middletown area.

On Oct. 16, the first annual Hero's Night Out will be held downtown to pay tribute to the firefighters and police officers that protect the community.

It's not only for them though.

A fire truck, police car and K-9 unit will be in the Forest Church parking lot on Main Street from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for photo opportunities and meet and greets with some of Middletown's finest.

Families are encouraged to join and free photo frame magnets will be given away while supplies last.

Another meet and greet will be just down the road in Cochran Square at the corner of Main and Broad Streets where members of the Middletown Police Department and Middletown Volunteer Fire Company will be.

Several local merchants will be participating in Hero's Night Out to remind everyone to shop local. These merchants will also be donating 10 percent of the evening proceeds to charities chosen by the town's local heroes.

When you make a purchase at a participating business, you will fill out a hero card to be entered in a drawing for a gift basket, said Middletown Main Street Program Director Tracy Skrobot.

At the end of the night, the police officers and fire department volunteers will then get their chance to have a night out on the town, where the proceeds will also be donated to their chosen charities.